Kaitlin Downes - Author & Contributor | Best Chinese Medicines

Boost Your Energy with Chinese Herbal Medicine

How many times a day do you look forward to your next cup of coffee, an energy drink, a nap, or even just to make it home so you can land in your bed? We are an energy-depleted society with busy schedules, poor sleep habits, and little time for proper rest. Furthermore, certain medications, environmental…
Read More »
Best Chinese Herbs for Brain Function

Finding your focus can be a challenge in our modern lifestyles. From distractions to high stress to environmental toxins, we are constantly bombarded with issues that prevent our brains from working optimally. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for brain function help you regain your concentration, restore your memory, and keep your brain sharp for years to come.…
Read More »
What is a Healthy Gut? Natural Solutions to Heal our Most Stressed System

What’s with the gut? These days, it seems like everyone is talking about gut health and how important it is for total wellbeing. Ongoing research has shown that the gut is not just about digestion – it’s the essential factor to create overall health and wellness for the whole body. Without a healthy gut system,…
Read More »
Un-Stuffed: How Chinese Medicine Can Help You Beat the Holiday Bloat

The holidays are nearly here, and that means one thing: indulgence! And after the challenging and stressful year we’ve had, don’t we deserve to have a little more fun, celebrate a little harder, and enjoy a few extra treats? But indulgence often comes at a cost – in this case stubborn bloating and weight gain,…
Read More »
The Power of Chinese Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular superfoods in the world – and for good reason! From boosting your energy to fighting chronic disease, the benefits of Chinese green tea are endless. Read on to learn more about how the power of Chinese green tea can help you live your healthiest life. All About…
Read More »
Chinese Herbal Liquid Extracts (Tinctures) – A Complete Guide

Pills, powders, and poultices, oh my! Chinese medicinal formulas come in many shapes and sizes – and even varied administration methods. Let’s learn a little more about one of our favorite ways to take our Chinese herbs: liquid extracts. Liquid extracts are a unique way to take herbal medicine. Tinctures are commonly used in Western…
Read More »
Chinese Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Wouldn’t it be great if you had a magic shield that could ward off stress? While there may not be such a thing, you can reduce the negative effects that stress has on your mind and body. How? With the power of adaptogenic mushrooms. Adaptogenic mushrooms are a group of special medicinal mushrooms that help…
Read More »
Supercharge Your Metabolism & Thyroid Health with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Spring is here and as our part of the world starts to warm up, many of us begin to think about dropping a few pounds or improving our energy. And there’s no better time! In spring, the Earth awakens and everything seems to come alive with it. The buzzing energy of the season (and better…
Read More »
The Best Chinese Herbs for Anti-Aging

Tired of spending money on expensive anti-aging serums? Are you hoping to avoid invasive cosmetic procedures? Simply want to feel as young as possible for as long as possible? Chinese herbs for anti-aging may be the answer you’re looking for. Chinese herbal medicine has long been used to help people age gracefully. From wrinkle prevention…
Read More »

About the Author

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine.

Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health.

Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.

Blog Categories

Articles Related To Author: Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

How to Stay Ahead of Summer Colds with Chinese Herbs
June 6, 2025

Colds are a cold weather problem, right? While they can be more common in the fall and winter, we are just as susceptible to getting sick in the heat of summer! And there’s nothing worse than coming down with a cold when the sun is shining and everyone else is enjoying the summer season. Summer…
Are Chinese Herbs Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
May 2, 2025

Pregnancy is a time of transformation, growth, and, perhaps most importantly, careful decision-making. Many expecting mothers look for natural ways to support their health and well-being during this important time in their lives – and Chinese herbs for pregnancy may be one of those natural solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of herbal…
4 Ways to Boost Your Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine
April 25, 2025

Hoping to grow your family naturally, but not sure where to start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fertility advice, Chinese herbs for fertility may offer the support you need. Chinese medicine has been used successfully for centuries to help women enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. Through acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork, qi gong, meditation, dietary therapy,…
Chinese Herbs for Hot Flashes: Natural Relief for Menopause Symptoms
April 18, 2025

Are hot flashes catching you off guard at the worst times? There’s nothing more irritating than a flush coming on during important meetings, your favorite workouts, or even while you’re trying to sleep. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Hot flashes are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of menopause, affecting up…
Best Chinese Medicines for Dogs
April 11, 2025

As a loving pet owner, we know you would do anything in your power to keep your dog happy and healthy. Unfortunately, there comes a time in every dog’s life when they need a little extra support to stay well. That’s where Chinese medicine for dogs comes in. With Chinese medicine for dogs, you can…